Our First Visitors - February 11 - 19th

Well, to say I am behind on my blogging is an understatement. I guess I better shorten up my entries and just get them done!

Our first visitors to come stay were Dave's mom, Mary Jo, and her friend, Carol. Carol is a former ex-pat herself, staying in Mexico twice, Sweden, and Italy. She and her husband, Al, have been tremendous help with giving us expectations and ideas for this assignment. If I hadn't had the chance to talk to them, I am not sure I would have accepted to come to Mexico.

Dave's mom got in first on Thursday. (Carol was coming from Cancun and would arrive Saturday afternoon.) We didn't do too much on Thursday and Friday because Dave was working during the week and we only had one car at the time. On Friday night though, Dave and I got to go out to a movie (Valentine's Day) at the VIP movies, while Grandma watched Claire. I am creating a separate entry to describe the VIP movies! It sure was nice to get out by ourselves since that was the one and only time that we have gotten to do that since moving here.

On Saturday, we took Dave's mom to Bazaar de Sabado. We had quesadillas made in the in the center of the bazaar. Fresh and delicious! After the bazaar, we went home to wait for Carol's arrival. Carol took a cab to our house and we enjoyed an evening of catching up!

On Sunday, we woke up to flowers and pastries from Dave for Valentine's Day. Claire got gifts from Mom and Dad, and, of course, Grammy! We decided to head downtown Mexico City to see the Zocalo (the main plaza). The Zocalo is where the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and Templo Mayor is located. Mass was being said at the Metropolitan Cathedral so we couldn't see it extensively, but we were able to walk in and see a good portion. Next to the Metropolitan Cathedral is Templo Mayor. It is part of the original Aztec city. It was discovered, and part of it was excavated, in 1978. Some of the ruins can be seen from the Zocalo, but there is also a great museum that you can go to, but there just wasn't time to that day.

Our last stop in the Zocalo was the National Palace. This building is still used by government. You must show your passport to get in, but didn't we know this, so Carol sweet talked the guard and he let us in. In the palace, there are large murals painted by the famous, Diego Rivera and beautiful gardens.

Since it was Valentine's Day, there were many people out and about. There was a large, white heart shaped balloon that was filled with smaller red balloons. As usual in the Zocalo, there were native tribal dancers performing for the crowds and the many vendors that sell tribal masks, stone carvings, food, and many other items.

After our tour around the Zocalo, it was time to eat! We had heard about the many wonderful restaurants in Condesa, so with our trusty former ex-pat, we set out to find the neighborhood and find a decent meal. Finding the area of Condesa wasn't so difficult, but trying to decide on which restaurant, and then one to eat at on Valentine's Day, was a little bit of a challenge. We decided on a seafood restaurant and got a seat right away. I never thought I would find delicious fish and chips in Mexico, but Claire and I shared a yummy meal! It was a full and busy day with a good finish!

Monday was a low key day. Carol and Mary Jo rented a car so we weren't stuck at the house all week. We headed up to the "Sky Mall" for a spectacular view and a chance to just get out and walk around.

Tuesday we headed to one of Carol's favorite places to shop...BMT. BMT is a pewter manufacturer that sells awesome serving dishes, picture frames, crosses, and other pieces for your home at great prices. It is located on an inconspicuous neighborhood across from a school in a house. There are only four rooms of pewter, but they are packed and it can be quite overwhelming on your first trip. I picked up a few pieces that are now a part of our growing collection.

On Wednesday, we headed out to Metepec (a town near Toluca and also Carol and Al's previous residence in Los Encinos). The Metepec area has many famous artists that create the popular Tree of Life sculptures. These are usually small trees with intrinsic details that depict Adam and Eve and then also a theme (Noah's Ark, Musicians, etc.).

We met up with one of Carol's friends, Nancy, who showed us around the town and introduced us to some of these artists. We were able to go into their homes and see first hand their work in progress. One of the artists was working on a piece commissioned by a Phoenix music museum. It was an enormous Tree of Life and, of course, the theme was musicians. It stood taller than 6 feet. The curator's wife liked the Tree of Life so much that she was having one commissioned for herself. I purchased a small cross that was designed similar to the style of the Tree of Life, but have yet to purchase one of these myself. A good one can be quite pricey.

On our trip around town, we also stopped at a basket warehouse that Carol referred to as the "basket lady". And I thought BMT was overwhelming! This warehouse was two large rooms PACKED with all types of baskets and weaving. The best craftsmanship of these items that I have seen in Mexico so far. Not knowing when I would get the opportunity to get back to this warehouse, I picked up all I could with the money that I brought! the prices were extremely reasonable and it was hard to choose which items to get!

After shopping, we headed back to Nancy's for lunch. we met her husband, Bill, and sat down for a delicious meal of broccoli soup (which Claire still raves about), salmon, rice, and flan. Nancy and Bill moved to Mexico thirty years ago with their children and have enjoyed living and operating their own businesses in Mexico. This day was definitely a high-light of Mom and Carol's visit.

Thursday was a wind down day since they were leaving on Friday. Our "Newcomers" group has a smaller group that meets up in our area called "The Northsiders". There was a coffee held on this Thursday morning so I went with our friend, Susan, without Claire, an opportunity I never get otherwise! It was a great chance to get out and meet the other English speaking women that live in the area (although most are German or Colombian).

That night, we went to eat at a small Italian restaurant in our neighborhood called Pizza Pizazz. We were told that it is owned by an italian women and her Mexican husband. The pasta and sauces are all fresh and the pizzas are scrumptiously made in a wood burning oven. It was a great finish to their trip!

Friday came too quickly and a taxi came to take them to the airport. At least we knew we would see them in just a few weeks during our return to Michigan.